While summer reading programs are wonderful, it does mean a parental time commitment. Not only are you helping your child with book selections and tracking what they are reading (and for how long), but you’re making time – and using up gas – to take them to the library or bookstore.

One way to get their reading done with a minimum of hassle is to invest in a subscription to a good children’s magazine. Not only do kids love getting mail, but it comes straight to your mailbox.

One terrific children’s magazine is Ladybug, from the Cricket Magazine group. Ladybug is for children ages three to six who aren’t reading on their own yet. Each issue is 40 pages and filled with stories and poems to read aloud and share with your child. They’ll also enjoy looking at the gorgeous illustrations on their own.

Each issue features activities, games, songs, appearances by characters Molly and Emmett, and a removable four-page activity section with craft ideas. You can also check out the Cricket for Kids website for additional activities, projects, and book suggestions. There’s even recipes like this one for Blueberry Pile-Up.

The annual subscription price is $33.95 for nine issues. While this seems like a lot, Ladybug has no outside advertising and is supported by reader subscriptions.

If you have younger children, check out Babybug magazine. If you have older children, the Cricket Magazine Group has numerous award winning children’s magazines covering a variety of interests.

(And thanks to The Parent Bloggers Network and the Cricket Magazine Group for the sample subscription.)

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